Within African American communities, HIV is far-reaching – affecting men and women, gay and straight, young and older alike. Young African American men – particularly gay and bisexual youth – are, by far, the most severely affected population and account for more new infections than any other group in the nation. And while recent data indicate that new HIV infections among African American women are declining for the first time in over a decade, this hard-hit group accounts for 13 percent of all new infections and are far more affected by the disease than women of any other race or ethnicity.

Despite these statistics, there is hope. Today, we have more powerful tools than ever to aid us in the fight against HIV. Our first commitment must be to use them.

We had the pleasure to speak to Ms. Janice Cleveland, Deputy Director of the CDC to on the show. Click below to listen…